Kayak power port and rail system and method of attachment

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally provides a power port device for mounting a monopod. The power port device includes power port typical of a marine vessel, such as a bass boat or speed boat. The power port device would connect to a rail affixed to the side of a kayak. An adjustable mount can be inserted between the power port device and the rail to adjust the angle of the power port device. The monopod can then provide power for mobile accessories, such as cameras and smart phones. The monopod may be fitted with extendable, bendable arms for mounting additional cameras or other electronic devices or for providing additional accessories. The monopod could also include other power outlets, including universal serial bus (USB) or standard power outlet ports.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Application No.62/673,459 filed May 18, 2019, and is also a continuation-in-part of andclaims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/812,882 filedNov. 14, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/184,721, filed Jun. 16, 2016, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,981,723 Issued May 29, 2018, which is acontinuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/986,455, filed Dec. 31, 2015, which is acontinuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/716,600, filed May 19, 2015, which is a continuation-in-partof and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/660,626,filed Mar. 17, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,381,976, issued Jul. 5, 2016,which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/108,136, filed Jan. 27, 2015, and also claims priority in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,704, filed Jan. 26, 2015, allof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an anchor cap and method foruse thereof, and more specifically to a boat anchor cap with a light,power port, and accessory mount for mounting cameras or other mobileelectronic accessories.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many boating enthusiasts, from professional bass fisherman such as CaseyScanlon, to extreme water sport performers, desire to record theirsporting feats using cameras such as GoPro® cameras manufactured byGoPro, Inc. of San Mateo, Calif. and other action cameras, including butnot limited to the Garmin Virb®, manufactured by Garmin Ltd. of Olathe,Kans. Other more casual boating enthusiasts, such as Roger Corley, maywish to similarly record family activities, charge mobile computingdevices, or otherwise provide power to accessories or method ofattachment for accessories while on a marine vessel.

Presently there are capabilities of providing power to mobileaccessories using 12V ports (a.k.a. cigarette lighters). However, manyboats, and certainly most older boats, lack such a power port.Similarly, when that power port exists in a boat, it typically islocated near the steering column and not near the rear and/or front ofthe boat where activity generally occurs.

Shallow-water anchors such as the Talon anchor manufactured by JohnsonOutdoors, Inc. of Racine, Wis. and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,381,671which is incorporated herein by reference, are mounted to boats.Existing products such as the anchor light manufactured by RussellMarine Products of El Dorado, Kans. can be mounted to the Talon anchor,however these products are limited to only providing a light.

Kayaks similarly lack the ability to power and charge accessories, suchas cameras. While battery packs and other devices have been added tokayaks to provide temporary power, there has been no way to easilyproperly mount and extend cameras or other accessories above or awayfrom the kayak.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for an anchorcap with the advantages and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a power port device for usewith a kayak rail for providing access to power to a monopod andassociated accessories which can be plugged into the power port device.The power port device is made of a housing and a power port insert whichreceives power from a battery or other power source within the kayak.The power connection also allows water to easily drain from the housing.The power port insert includes a cap for closing access to the powerport when not in use. The power port device has an attachment fortightening onto a rail affixed to the side of a kayak or other marinevehicle. This incorporates elements of monopods for powering andmounting electrical and non-electrical accessories and attachmentmethods such as those disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 9,381,976, which hasthe same applicant as the present application and is incorporated hereinby reference.

An embodiment uses an adjustable mount which mounts to the rail andscrews into the base of the power port device using a threadedconnection. This allows the power port device to be angled to a desiredangle to hold the monopod away from the kayak.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating variousobjects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present inventionlocated in a typical environment in which it may be deployed, hereindepicted as a bass fishing boat.

FIG. 2 is a detailed isometric view thereof, taken about the circle onFIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view from the base of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view from the top thereof.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment thereof.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is an alternative isometric view thereof, showing a cup holderaccessory.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 located in atypical environment in which it may be deployed, herein depicted as abass fishing boat.

FIG. 10A is an isometric view from the base of yet another alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is an isometric view from the top thereof.

FIG. 11 is a bottom-up isometric view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top-down isometric view thereof.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of elements thereof.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view indicating the connection of elementsthereof.

FIG. 15A is a diagrammatic elevational view thereof, showing twoelements being connected.

FIG. 15B is a diagrammatic elevational view thereof, wherein the twoelements of FIG. 15A are connected.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention located in a typical environment in which it may bedeployed, herein depicted as a bass fishing boat.

FIG. 17 is a detailed isometric view thereof, taken about the circle onFIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view from the base of the alternative embodimentthereof.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view from the top of the alternative embodimentthereof.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view thereof showing the embodiment interactingwith the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention including a light accessory.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view thereof, showing the embodiment located ina typical environment in which it may be deployed, herein depicted as abass fishing boat.

FIG. 23 is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternativeembodiment of the present invention including a light-emitting diodelight panel.

FIG. 24 is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternativeembodiment of the present invention showing a monopod in conjunctionwith a portable power box.

FIG. 25 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the portable power boxthereof.

FIG. 26 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the portable power boxthereof shown in an open configuration.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 29 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 30 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 31 is a right-side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 32 is a left side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 33 is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternativeembodiment of the present invention shown in relation to a preferredenvironment of a boat.

FIG. 34 is a bottom-up three-dimensional view thereof.

FIG. 35 is a top-down three-dimensional view thereof.

FIG. 36 is a side elevational view thereof shown using a camera mount.

FIG. 37 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown interactingwith an anchor cap element.

FIG. 38 is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternativeembodiment of the present invention shown in relation to a preferredenvironment of a boat.

FIG. 39 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown interactingwith a motor cap element.

FIG. 40 is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternativeembodiment of the present invention shown in relation to a preferredenvironment of a kayak.

FIG. 41 is a three-dimensional top-down isometric view of the power portand rail elements thereof as taken about the circle of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is a three-dimensional top-down isometric view thereof shown inan open orientation.

FIG. 43 is a three-dimensional top-down isometric view thereof shown inconjunction with a monopod and accessory element.

FIG. 44 is a three-dimensional bottom-up isometric view of the powerport element thereof.

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 46 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 47 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment of FIG.39 shown with an adjustable mount element.

FIG. 48 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown assembled.

FIG. 49 is a side elevational view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosedherein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart how to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientatedin the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly”refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometriccenter of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof.Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction oftravel, if appropriate.

Additional examples including a mobile smart device including a displaydevice for viewing a typical web browser or user interface will becommonly referred to throughout the following description. The type ofdevice, computer, display, or user interface may vary when practicing anembodiment of the present invention. Said terminology will include thewords specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similarmeaning.

Power providing inputs in the embodiment of the invention may encompassany format of Uniform Serial Bus (USB) input, 12V input, or any othertype of power adapter. However, the embodiment of the present inventionis intended only to be inserted into the navigation light port locatedon a marine vessel. The marine vessel applies to any type of boat, ship,or any other waterborne vessel which encompasses a navigation lightport. A standard navigation light port is considered to be a port on amarine vessel which is required by the International Regulations forPreventing Collisions at Sea.

II. Preferred Embodiment Marine Monopod System 2

Referring to the figures in more detail, FIG. 1 shows a marine vessel 4employing a marine monopod system 2. The monopod system 2 includes amonopod 6 which is inserted into a navigation light power port 10 anddraws power from the port for electronic devices 8, such as smartphones, cameras, global positioning system (GPS) devices, and othermobile electronic devices. Note that a second navigation light powerport 10 is located at the front of the vessel 4, which may accommodate asecond monopod 6. Other ports may be located in other locations aroundthe vessel.

FIG. 2 shows a closer view of the monopod 6 being inserted into thepower port 10. FIGS. 3A and 3B show more detail of the monopod 6. Thisembodiment includes a monopod base 12 with contacts 14 for drawing powerfrom the power port 10. A pair of Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports 16are shown on the top portion of the monopod. Cables 18 for chargingmobile devices may be inserted into these ports, and power is drawn fromthe power port 10. Other types of power adapters, such as 12V adapters,may be used instead of USB ports.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment monopod 26 which includes a headportion 28 with the USB ports 16 mounted on one or more sides of thehead portion.

III. Alternative Embodiment Marine Monopod System 52

FIG. 5 shows an alternative marine monopod system 52 which uses a basemonopod 56 with a telescoping arm 60 capable of extending a few inchesor several feet above or away from the marine vessel. The monopod 56includes the same base 12 for connecting with the navigation light port10 and at least one USB port 16 for powering an accessory 8. Here, it islikely that the accessory is a camera for capturing video images, butthe accessory could be any electronic device.

The telescoping arm 60 may be connected to the base monopod 56 with anadjustable handle 64 which tightens or loosens to allow telescoping ofthe arm 60. Other means may be employed which allow the arm totelescope. A second telescoping motion may be employed by releasing alocking device 66 at a second point along the arm 60. This lockingdevice as shown can be quickly unlocked or locked using one finger.

The base monopod 56 may include a rechargeable battery 62, allowing themonopod to power or charge a device 8 even when it is not inserted intothe navigational light port 10. An accessory mount 68, such as thescrew-based camera mount shown here, may be connected to the top of thetelescoping arm 60.

IV. Alternative Embodiment Monopod System 102

FIG. 6 employs many of the same features as the system 52 describedabove, but instead of the telescoping arm 60 of system 52, this systememploys a forked arm 104 which is connected to the base monopod 56, andwhich allows for two devices to be connected to the same monopod system102. In this way, one camera could face forward while the other facesaway. Alternatively, two devices could charge simultaneously while beingused.

V. Alternative Embodiment Monopod System 152

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment monopod system 152 which uses thesame base monopod 56 setup as systems 52 and 102, but which includes atelescoping arm 160 which allows an extension arm 156 to connect to thetelescoping arm 160, either using a clip, a connecting ring, or someother connecting device. The extension arm 156 may culminate at an elbow158, which may connect to a second extension arm 156 as shown. This typeof connection could occur several times. It is important that the elbow158 contain significant resistance against being bent such that the arms156 retain any angle they are set at. This allows for dynamic cameraangles using cameras as the electrical accessories. For example, in aboat, the extension arm 156 could place a camera close to the water asthe boat moves through the water, while the other camera is placed farabove the boat. The two cameras would capture video simultaneously.

Additional extension arms may be placed for two, three, four, or morecamera angles.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the accessory may instead be a cupholder 162. It is common for bass fishing boats or older boats to lacksufficient space to store drinks, especially when a fisherman is in thefishing seat. FIG. 9 shows how the arm can be positioned to provide acup holder to the fisherman while a camera is still filming from atopthe telescoping arm 160.

VI. Alternative Embodiment Monopod System 202

FIGS. 10A and 10B employ a monopod 206 which includes a basicnavigational lamp 228 atop the monopod 206. As shown, two USB ports 16are located atop the lamp. However, the USB ports could be placed alongthe sides of the monopod 206, and an accessory mount, such as thoseshown in FIGS. 5-8 above, may be placed atop the lamp. This would allowfor a camera to be mounted to the navigational lamp and filming to takeplace even while the navigational light is in use or at night.

It should be noted that any and all commercial electronic devices couldbenefit from the present invention. GPS devices, fish finders, andtablet computers would be at the fisherman's fingertips using one ormore of the embodiments of the present invention without the fishermanleaving the fishing chair.

VII. Wireless Power Source Monopod System 302

FIGS. 11-15B show another alternative embodiment system which includeswireless power for powering an electrical accessory, such as a camera asdiscussed above. As shown in FIGS. 11-12, a monopod 356 having atelescoping arm 360 includes a battery power source 362, a charging port312 which may or may not interface with a navigation light port of awatercraft, and locking elements 366 for locking the telescoping arm 360at various lengths. The monopod may or may not include a USB port 316 orother port for charging of electrical accessories. A preferredembodiment may include an adjustable handle 364 for extending andretracting the telescoping arm 360.

This embodiment also includes a wireless power delivery system 368connected to the end of the telescoping arm 360. The primary features ofthis delivery system 368 are shown in FIG. 12 and include a base 370 anda mounting screw 372, such as typically used to mount cameras or cameracases to monopods or tripods.

FIG. 13 shows a typical camera housing accessory 308 which would be usedto house cameras, such as those disclosed above. The camera housingaccessory 308 is designed to mount to the mounting screw 372 of thewireless power delivery system 368. A receiver strip 374 connects to thecamera or other electrical accessory via a cord 376 and interface 378.FIG. 14 shows how the camera housing accessory 308 mounts to the base370 of the wireless power delivery system. In a preferred embodiment thecamera housing accessory 308 would be waterproof.

The wireless power delivery system 368 draws power from the batterysource 362 of the monopod 356 as shown in FIG. 15A. The delivery system368 delivers wireless power 380 in a limited range about the base 370,typically less than six inches from the base. As shown in FIG. 15B, whenthe accessory 308 is attached to the delivery system 368, the wirelesspower 380 is received by the receiver strip 374 and is delivered to thecamera or other electrical accessory via the power cord 376 andinterface 378. This wireless power then powers the electrical accessorywhen in use, and passively charges a battery associated with theelectrical accessory, if any, when the accessory is not in use. Itshould be noted that any and all types of electrical accessoriesmentioned herein or otherwise requiring electrical power could utilizethis arrangement of elements.

In an embodiment of this invention, an ergonomic handle may be locatedjust beneath the wireless power delivery system 368, converting themonopod device into a walking or hiking stick.

VIII. Telescoping Monopod Seat-Mount System 402

FIGS. 16-19 show yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. Here, as in previous embodiments, a telescoping monopod 406is deployed in a boat 4 and is used to house a portable electronicaccessory 8 such as a camera. The base 412 of the monopod 406 screwsinto or is otherwise inserted into a seat mount 410 within the deck ofthe boat 4. The base as shown is threaded, but may not necessarily bethreaded.

The monopod 406 includes a bottom arm 414 and a top arm 418. The top arm418 telescopes from within the bottom arm 414 and is released and/orlocked via a release switch 416 or other similar feature. A mountingaccessory 420 for mounting the portable electronic accessory 8.

The telescoping monopod 406 extends from approximately four feet (4′)long to approximately eight feet (8′) long or longer. This providesuperior angles for filming action on the boat 4 using a camera mountedto the mounting accessory 420 at the top of the telescoping monopod 406.

FIG. 20 shows this embodiment telescoping monopod seat-mount system 402interacting with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thereby providingelectrical power for recharging and/or operating the portable electronicaccessory 8 via a cord 422.

IX. Monopod Light Source System 502

FIGS. 21 and 22 show yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, featuring a telescoping monopod light source 502 which can beused with the embodiments discussed previously or in a stand-alone unit.As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the light source system 502 includes alight source accessory assembly 508 used in conjunction with thetelescoping monopod of FIG. 5 discussed above.

The light source accessory assembly 508 includes a light source 520 andan adjustable mount 518 which may optionally be locked into a positionor unlocked, allowing the light source 520 to be freely turned orpivoted to provide light 524 within a boat 4 or outside of the boat.This is advantageous for providing a spotlight into the boat whileoperating the boat at night, or for lighting up the waters around theboat. The light source 520 may be plugged into the power source socket16 via a power cord 522, or may be powered by an internal battery. Asshown in FIG. 22, the monopod may provide power to the light sourceaccessory via the navigation light port 10 of the boat 4.

X. Alternative Monopod Light Source System 552

As shown in FIG. 23, a slightly alternative monopod light source system552 employs a flat paneled light source 560 which includes a housing 562and two faces. One or both faces could include one or more LEDs 564,which can be used to simply provide directional light or could be usedto create an LED sign or signal for other boats in the vicinity bylighting up only some of the LEDs.

The housing 562 may be mounted on an accessory mount 558 which includesa pivotable bracket 566 which connected to a rotatable base element 568,allowing the light 560 to pivot up and down and to rotate for adirectional light source. The entire mount 558 and light 560 is mountedto a monopod 556, such as those described above. The monopod 556 may beconnected to the navigation light port 10 of a boat 4 or into a seatmount 410 within the deck of the boat 4. The light may be controlled bycontrols located directly on the light 560, such as on the housing 562,or it may be controlled remotely using a portable computing device suchas a smartphone.

XI. Monopod Accessory Mount System 602 with Portable Power Box 604

FIGS. 24-32 show an alternative embodiment monopod accessory mountsystem 602 with a portable power box 604. The portable power box 604allows a monopod 603 to be connected to it, allowing the monopod 603 toprovide power to an accessory 658. The monopod 603 could be any of themonopods disclosed above, and the accessory 658 could be any of theaccessories previously discussed.

The power box 604 includes a top portion 608 and bottom portion 606connected by hinges 630 which allows the box to be opened, such as shownin FIG. 26. A battery 616 is stored within the bottom portion 606 of thebox 604. The top portion 608 includes a receiver port 622 for receivingthe base 612 of the monopod 603, which as discussed previously allowspower to be transferred up through the shaft 656 of the monopod to theaccessory 658. The receiver port 622 may be threaded to receive threads624 of the monopod shaft 656 to secure the monopod 603 to the box 604. Acap 620 can seal the receiver port 622 when not in use.

The portable power box 604 may include a light 626 and switch 628 foractivating the light for positional lighting in a dark location. The box604 may also include a handle 610 for carrying the box.

FIG. 26 shows how the internal portion 614 of the receiver port 622which connects wiring 618 to the battery 616 to transfer power from thebattery to the receiver port and then into the base 612 of the monopod.As discussed above, the base 612 is configured for connection to atypical marine navigational light port, which the receiver port 622functions similarly to.

The box 604 is weighted to support the monopod 603 such that it preventstipping, allowing the monopod 603 to be placed in a location. Theaccessory 658 may include a light for lighting up an area, a camera, orsome other electrical accessory requiring power from the battery 616.

XII. Anchor Cap Monopod System 702

As shown in the FIGS. 33-37, the present invention is an anchor capmonopod system 702 for affixing a monopod 706 to an anchor mount cap 722for a boat 704 anchor 720 such as the Talon anchor manufactured byJohnson Outdoors, Inc. of Racine, Wis. The anchor 720 would be mountedto the boat 704 using a mounting connection 724 or some other suitablemounting element. The monopod 706 includes a light source 712 andaccessory mount 718 for connecting an electrical accessory 708 such as acamera mount 730 for mounting a camera 732, such as a GoPro® camerasmanufactured by GoPro, Inc. of San Mateo, Calif. The monopod 706includes a power connection 716, such as a USB port, for powering andcharging electrical accessories such as cellular phones or the camera orother accessory mounted to the camera mount.

The anchor mount cap 722 includes a power port 710 for receiving themonopod 706. The anchor mount cap would be either connected to power ofthe anchor 720 or would include a battery for powering the power port710.

The monopod 706 has a base 711 with contacts 714 for drawing power fromthe power port 710. The monopod light 712 is connected to a light base726 which includes the power connection 716.

The accessory mount 708 could also mount flood lights or otheraccessories, which may be self-powered or may be powered using the powerport 716.

XIII. Motor Cap Monopod System 752

FIGS. 38 and 39 show a slightly alternative embodiment motor cap monopodsystem 752 using the same monopod 706 of the previous embodiment, butinstead providing a power port 760 within a motor cap 772 which can beplaced atop a standard boat motor 770.

As before, the monopod 706 includes a light source 712 and accessorymount 718 for connecting an electrical accessory 708. The monopod 706has a base 711 with contacts 714 for drawing power from the power port710. The monopod light 712 is connected to a light base 726 whichincludes the power connection 716.

The accessory mount 708 could also mount flood lights or otheraccessories, which may be self-powered or may be powered using the powerport 716.

XIV. Kayak Power Port and Rail System 802

FIG. 40 shows a kayak power port and rail system 802 where a kayak 804is fitted with a mounting rail 812. A power port device 810 is affixedto the rail, and a monopod 806 is deployed within a power port of thepower port device. An accessory 808 can be mounted to the top of themonopod and powered through power provided by the power port device 810.

FIG. 41 shows the power port device 810 in conjunction with the rail812. The power port device 810 has a main housing 814 and a power port816 which is inserted into and connected to the housing 814, usingscrews or other attachment devices as shown in FIG. 42. The power port816 has a main body 818 and a lid 820 which are connected via a hinge822. A lip 824 can be included to help facilitate the opening of the lid820. The rail 812 is made of a pair of guides 826 which form a slot 828.A threaded connector 832 as shown in FIG. 44 can be slotted into theslot 828 and tightened against the guides 826 using the threadedconnection 834 of the threaded connector 832. This presses the threadedconnector 832 against the shoulders 836 of the guides 826.

When the lid 820 is opened as shown in FIG. 42, access to the monopodreceiver 830 is provided. As shown in FIG. 44, the monopod 806 isinserted into the monopod receiver 830, which includes power pins forproviding power to the monopod 806. The accessory 808, which can be anyaccessory discussed in the previous embodiments, is powered using themonopod 806, which may include any of the monopod devices discussed inthe previous embodiments or any other monopod capable of providing powerto the accessory. FIG. 43 shows the connecting of a monopod 806 to thepower port device 810.

FIGS. 45 and 46 show how the threaded connector 832 is inserted into theslot 828 between the guides 826 of the rail 812 and can be tightened byturning the housing 814 clockwise, threading the connection 834 of thethreaded connector 832 into a threaded port on the bottom of the housing814. Turning the housing counterclockwise loosens the connection 834 ofthe connector 832, allowing the power port device 810 to be removed fromthe rail 812.

A power cable 840 is connected to a power supply, such as a battery,located in the kayak or near the kayak. The power cable 840 passesthrough a cable port 838 within the housing 814 of the power port device810 and provides electrical power to the power port 816.

FIGS. 47-49 show the power port device 810 connected to the rail 812using an adjustable mount 842. This adjustable mount could be like thatdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885 to Carnevali and assigned toNational Products, Inc. of Seattle, Wash. which is incorporated hereinby reference. An embodiment of the adjustable mount 842 as shownincludes a base 844 which connects to the rail 812, a first connector846 with a first ball joint 848 connected to one end of the adjustablemount 842 housing 850. A second connector 856 is connected to the otherend of the housing 850 by a second ball joint 854. An adjustment knob852 can loosen the housing 850 to allow adjustment of the angles of theconnectors 846, 856 via the ball joints 848, 854. A spring or threadedelement inside of the housing 850 may be used to adjust the housingabout the ball joints. A threaded connector 858 on the second connector856 can receive the threaded port on the bottom of the power port devicehousing 814. This allows the power port device 810 to be mounted at anydesired angle from the rail 812. The base 844 includes a threadedconnector 856 with a connection 858 identical to the threaded connector832 with connection 834 of the power port device 810 discussed above. Itcan be received within the slot 828 defined by the guides 826 of therail 812.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects ofthe invention have been shown and described, the invention is notlimited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A power port device systemcomprising: a power port device comprising a housing configured to beaffixed to a rail connected to a vessel; said power port device furthercomprising a power port inserted into and affixed to said housing, saidpower port configured for receiving a monopod and for providingelectrical power to said monopod; an electrical connection connectingsaid power port to a power source located in proximity with said vessel,said electrical connection configured to pass through a cable port,which said cable port is further configured to drain water from saidpower port device; and wherein said monopod is configured to interfacewith and provide power to a portable accessory.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein said vessel comprises a kayak.
 3. The system of claim 1,further comprising: said rail comprising a pair of guides defining aslot; said power port device having a threaded connector connected to abase end of said power port device via a threaded connection; saidthreaded connector configured to be slotted into said slot; and saidthreaded connection configured to tighten said threaded connectoragainst said pair of guides, thereby locking said power port device tosaid rail.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the monopodincluding a cylindrical elongated body portion having a proximal end anda distal end, a base portion located in proximity to the proximal end ofsaid elongated body, said base portion configured to interface with apower port, and a tip portion located in proximity to the distal end ofsaid elongated body; said tip portion comprising at least one powerconnection, said power connection capable of providing electrical powerto said portable accessory; said power port providing said electricalpower for said power connection; and said tip portion further comprisingan accessory mount configured for receiving said portable accessory. 5.The system of claim 4, wherein said power connection comprises auniversal serial bus (USB) port.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein saidtip further comprises a light.
 7. The system of claim 4, furthercomprising, wherein said portable accessory comprises a camera.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said portable accessory is one of theaccessories chosen from the list comprising: a smart phone; a tabletcomputer; a digital camera; a geographical positioning system (GPS)unit; and a fish finder.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising:an adjustable mount comprising a first connector, a second connector,and a housing, said first connector configured for engaging with saidrail and said second connector configured for engaging said power portdevice; and said adjustable mount further configured to adjust an angleat which said power port device is mounted to said rail.
 10. The systemof claim 9, further comprising: said first connector comprising a firstball joint; said second connector comprising a second ball joint; anadjustment knob configured for adjusting said housing about said firstand second ball joints, thereby allowing for angles of said first andsecond connectors to be adjusted.
 11. A power port device system for akayak, the system comprising: a power port device comprising a housingconfigured to be affixed to a rail connected to a kayak; said power portdevice further comprising a power port inserted into and affixed to saidhousing, said power port configured for receiving a monopod and forproviding electrical power to said monopod; said rail comprising a pairof guides defining a slot; said power port device having a threadedconnector connected to a base end of said power port device via athreaded connection; said threaded connector configured to be slottedinto said slot; said threaded connection configured to tighten saidthreaded connector against said pair of guides, thereby locking saidpower port device to said rail; an electrical connection connecting saidpower port to a power source located in proximity with said kayak, saidelectrical connection configured to pass through a cable port, whichsaid cable port is further configured to drain water from said powerport device; said monopod including a cylindrical elongated body portionhaving a proximal end and a distal end, a base portion located inproximity to the proximal end of said elongated body, said base portionconfigured to interface with a power port, and a tip portion located inproximity to the distal end of said elongated body; said tip portioncomprising at least one power connection, said power connection capableof providing electrical power to said portable accessory; said powerport providing said electrical power for said power connection; said tipportion further comprising an accessory mount configured for receivingsaid portable accessory; and wherein said monopod is configured tointerface with and provide power to a portable accessory.
 12. A methodof connecting a power port device to a vessel, the method comprising thesteps: providing a power port device comprising a housing and a powerport connected to said housing; connecting said power port device to arail mounted to a vessel; connecting electrical power to said power portthrough said housing, said electrical power provided by a power sourcelocated in proximity with said vessel; inserting a monopod into saidpower port; connecting an electrical accessory to said monopod; andproviding said electrical power to said electrical accessory throughsaid monopod, and said monopod drawing said electrical power throughsaid power port.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising thesteps: inserting a threaded connector affixed to a base face of saidpower port device housing into a slot located on said rail, said slotdefined by a pair of guides; turning said housing of said power portdevice, thereby tightening said threaded connector against said pair ofguides; and locking said power port device against said rail.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said vessel comprises a kayak.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising the steps: connecting anadjustable mount between said rail and said housing of said power portdevice, said adjustable mount comprising a first connector, a secondconnector, and a mount housing, whereby said first connector isconnected to said rail and said second connector is connected to a baseface of said housing of said power port; and adjusting said adjustablemount via said first and second connectors, thereby adjusting an angleat which said power port device is mounted.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising the steps: adjusting a knob located on said mounthousing, thereby adjusting said mount housing against a first ball jointaffixed to said first connector and a second ball joint affixed to saidsecond connector; and adjusting said first and second connectors viasaid first and second ball joints.
 17. The method of claim 12, whereinsaid monopod includes a cylindrical elongated body portion having aproximal end and a distal end, a base portion located in proximity tothe proximal end of said elongated body, said base portion configured tointerface with a power port, and a tip portion located in proximity tothe distal end of said elongated body, the method comprising the steps:providing said electrical power to said electrical accessory via a powerconnection located within the tip of said monopod; and connecting saidelectrical accessory to said monopod via an accessory mount located onsaid tip.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said power connectioncomprises a universal serial bus (USB) port.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein said tip further comprises a light.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein said portable accessory is one of the accessories chosen fromthe list comprising: a smart phone; a tablet computer; a digital camera;a geographical positioning system (GPS) unit; and a fish finder.